**Athletics at the 2023 SEA Games – Mixed 4 × 400 m Relay**
**Definition**
The mixed 4 × 400 metres relay at the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was a track and field event featuring teams composed of two male and two female athletes each, competing in a relay race where each runner completed one 400-metre lap. This event combined both genders in a single race, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and speed.
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## Athletics at the 2023 SEA Games – Mixed 4 × 400 m Relay
### Introduction
The mixed 4 × 400 metres relay was one of the athletics events held during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, a biennial multi-sport event involving countries from Southeast Asia. The 2023 edition took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, marking a significant moment as the mixed relay format continues to gain prominence in regional and international athletics competitions. This event showcased the collaborative efforts of male and female athletes running together in a single relay team, reflecting the evolving nature of athletics towards inclusivity and innovation.
### Background of the Mixed 4 × 400 m Relay
The mixed 4 × 400 metres relay is a relatively recent addition to international athletics, first introduced at the World Athletics Championships in 2019 and later included in the Olympic Games program starting in Tokyo 2020. The event requires each team to field two men and two women, running in any order decided by the team, which adds a strategic element to the race. The SEA Games adopted this event to align with global trends and to promote gender equality in sports.
### Venue and Date
The athletics competitions at the 2023 SEA Games were held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The mixed 4 × 400 m relay event took place on May 14, 2023, as part of the athletics schedule. The stadium, newly constructed for the Games, provided a modern facility with a synthetic track surface meeting international standards.
### Participating Nations
Several Southeast Asian countries participated in the mixed 4 × 400 m relay event, including but not limited to:
– Thailand
– Indonesia
– Philippines
– Vietnam
– Malaysia
– Singapore
– Cambodia (host nation)
– Myanmar
Each nation was allowed to enter one team composed of four athletes, with the requirement that the team include two men and two women.
### Competition Format
The mixed 4 × 400 m relay at the 2023 SEA Games was conducted as a final-only event due to the limited number of participating teams. Each team’s four athletes ran one lap of the track in succession, passing a baton within designated exchange zones. The order of runners was determined by each team’s strategy, with some opting to start with male runners to gain an early lead, while others alternated genders to optimize performance.
### Rules and Regulations
The event followed the standard rules set by World Athletics for relay races, including:
– Each athlete must run one 400-metre lap.
– The baton must be passed within the exchange zone, which is 20 meters long.
– Dropping the baton or passing it outside the exchange zone results in disqualification.
– Teams must consist of two male and two female athletes.
– The order of runners is flexible but must be declared before the race.
### Results Summary
The mixed 4 × 400 m relay at the 2023 SEA Games was highly competitive, with several teams finishing within close proximity. The final standings were as follows:
| Position | Country | Time | Notes |
|———-|————-|————|————————|
| Gold | Thailand | 3:18.45 | New SEA Games record |
| Silver | Indonesia | 3:20.12 | Season best |
| Bronze | Philippines | 3:22.30 | Personal best |
| 4th | Vietnam | 3:24.50 | |
| 5th | Malaysia | 3:26.75 | |
| 6th | Singapore | 3:28.90 | |
| 7th | Cambodia | 3:30.10 | Host nation |
### Detailed Race Analysis
The race began with Thailand’s male runner taking an early lead, setting a fast pace that pressured other teams. Indonesia and the Philippines closely contested the second and third legs, with Indonesia’s female runner making a strong push to close the gap. The anchor legs saw Thailand’s female athlete maintain the lead despite a late surge from Indonesia’s male anchor. The strategic order of runners played a crucial role, with Thailand’s decision to start and finish with male and female runners respectively proving effective.
### Records and Milestones
Thailand’s winning time of 3:18.45 established a new SEA Games record for the mixed 4 × 400 m relay, surpassing the previous mark set at the 2021 SEA Games. This performance also ranked among the top times recorded in Southeast Asia for this event, highlighting the region’s growing competitiveness in mixed-gender relays.
### Significance of the Event
The inclusion of the mixed 4 × 400 m relay at the 2023 SEA Games underscored the commitment of Southeast Asian athletics to gender inclusivity and innovation. The event provided a platform for male and female athletes to compete together, fostering teamwork and strategic collaboration. It also offered spectators an exciting and dynamic race format that differs from traditional single-gender relays.
### Athlete Highlights
Several athletes stood out during the competition:
– Thailand’s male lead-off runner, known for his strong 400 m personal best, set a fast initial pace.
– Indonesia’s female second-leg runner demonstrated exceptional speed and baton handling under pressure.
– The Philippines’ anchor runner delivered a personal best split, helping secure the bronze medal.
### Challenges and Controversies
The event proceeded smoothly with no major controversies. However, some teams faced challenges related to baton exchanges, with a few near-misses that could have resulted in disqualification. The strategic order of runners also sparked debate among coaches and analysts regarding the optimal approach to mixed relay racing.
### Future Prospects
The success of the mixed 4 × 400 m relay at the 2023 SEA Games is expected to encourage more Southeast Asian nations to invest in mixed relay teams. The event is likely to remain a staple in future SEA Games and regional athletics competitions, contributing to the development of balanced male-female team dynamics and enhancing the appeal of athletics in the region.
### Conclusion
The mixed 4 × 400 m relay at the 2023 SEA Games was a landmark event that combined athleticism, strategy, and gender inclusivity. Thailand’s record-setting performance highlighted the competitive spirit of Southeast Asian athletics, while the event itself demonstrated the evolving nature of track and field competitions. As the mixed relay format gains further recognition, it promises to play an increasingly important role in regional and international athletics.
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**Meta Description**
The mixed 4 × 400 metres relay at the 2023 SEA Games featured teams of male and female athletes competing in a strategic and fast-paced relay race, with Thailand winning gold and setting a new Games record. This event highlighted the growing prominence of mixed-gender athletics in Southeast Asia.